Murray Schwartz

Merv Griffin and I had a relationship that dates back to the days before he had a talk show. I guided his talk shows while he still reigns among the best of the talk shows of all time. I know something about Talk Shows. So, I have a different perspective surrounding the furor about Whoopi Goldberg’s ignorant and unenlightened comment.

The View was created by Barbara Walters. Her knowledge of theatrics began at New York’s Latin Quarter night club owned by her Dad, Lou Walters. She was recognized as a world-class journalist, notably her iconic interview with Fidel Castro. As a fine journalist she respected facts when she was the host of The View, created as vehicle for meaningful discussions geared to a female audience.

The VIEW is not scripted, however, topics are always discussed before taping. So, the host and co hosts have an idea of the views they will discuss on air. The talk fest then begins. That’s fine. But, if you pontificate of the genesis of the extermination of six million Jewish people, you best know what the hell you are talking about. Ms. Goldberg articulated her ignorance. To make matters worse, that night she doubled down on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert unimaginative excuse for a talk show. The next morning she compounds the issue with a wrongheaded written explanation. Finally, after Mr. Greenblatt, head of the ADL explained what her staff and producers should have known before she made a total fool of herself, she reads her apology on air almost two days later.
Ms. Godwin, President of ABC, presumably under pressure from Disney and the public, meted out a two week, go to your bedroom and be a good girl punishment. Ms. Godwin’s oblique way to instruct what you pronounce on air counts, likely hoping this will soon evaporate, until the next of the famous utters ignorance, namely Susan Sarandon. Sarandon, a fool, doesn’t have a large TV platform to display her abhorrence. Talk about an apology she owes the widows of the murdered NYC police officers their ranks, and the public who they protect, and will protect her!

My perspective: The host of any show, explicitly one where important views are voiced, has a responsibly the employer, the public; all of the public, in return for the fame and fortune that come with the job. I hope Mr. Goldberg doesn’t quit as she’s said. If she does she’ll clarify that she can dish it out…but she can't take the heat. She and Ms. Behar have long embraced cancel culture. I abhor cancel culture!

I recommended that she read the life changing novella, Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl. Mr. Frankl, a German Jewish psychiatrist survived concentrations camps. After his elegiac liberation from Auschwitz he wrote: “From all this we may learn that there are two races of men in this world, but only these two — the “race” of the decent man and the “race” of the indecent man. Both are found
everywhere; they pe*****te into all groups of society. No group consists entirely of decent or indecent people.”

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
My sincere thanks to all the readers of my memoir and their wonderful and most gratifying reviews – which has placed Red Mill among the top Amazon memoirs.
The goods news is that Amazon just ordered more books. So, for anyone considering a late holiday gift they are available for free shipping in one or two days.
Warmest wishes to all for a Joyous Holiday and Christmas season and a Happy New year.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Mill-Its-Start.../dp/1952106230/

Red Mill: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish Red Mill: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish

This quote is on the last page of my book It's a lifetime guide and especially timely during these times.. I've heard from readers they post it around their homes. I have it my fridge:

"When suddenly you seem to lose all you thought you had gained, do not despair. You must expect setbacks and regressions. Don’t say to yourself “All is lost. I have to start all over again.” This is not true. What you have gained…When you return to the road, you return to the place where you left it, not to where you started."
—Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love

I miss the New York that was........

A dream comes true:

When my Dad wasn’t working at the RED MILL, he would drive a checker cab to earn some extra money. I’d often sit with him in the front seat. He stopped at the taxi stand in front of The Carlyle Hotel. I marveled at the sophisticated people leaving and entering through the revolving doors that I was certain were made of gold. My Dad didn’t dissuade me of the fantasy of the golden doors.

Years later, after we sold Merv Griffin Ent. to Coca-Cola, I purchased an apartment at The Carlyle. Recently, HBO aired a special "Always at The Carlyle". Watch it to enjoy its remarkable history.

So, this dream came true! I resided at The Carlyle for 25 years. The taxi stand is long gone. But, the revolving doors are still there. As you might have guessed they are not gold, but never ending polished brass.

Especially during these very difficult times, it’s important to have dreams. The odds are, that some will come true.
“It’s Not How You Start, It’s How You Finish”.

Red Mill available at: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Mill-Its-Start-Finish/dp/1952106230/

More on the Whole Pie
Some Netflix employees walked off their job because they don’t like Dave Chappelle humor. They claim his humor is hate; theirs is freedom of speech! Huh? Interestingly Netflix hires many in the LGBTQ+ community and seem to be a very diverse company. The Netflix headquarters in Hollywood is nearby to what was the home of our company encompassing the block of Hollywood and Vine. I wondered what I would do if a group of employees walked out because they didn’t like the content of our shows. More on this later.
I watched the worldwide phenomenon of Squid Game (as much as I could stand). I am stunned that people from all around the world choose to watch the bloodthirsty violence and mass killings in every episode. Squid Game has over 100 million viewers. They also got 4.5 Million new subscribers. That’s a big pie of the audience. There’s been no outrage or demands to pull this off the air. Nor should there be. Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Lenny Bruce was a social commentator and comedian who integrated politics, religion and s*x in his performances. He influenced many comedians including Dave Chappelle, Lenny was often tormented by the NYPD. They would station cops in the rear of the clubs where he appeared always to sell out crowds. If he uttered a dirty word, they’d pull him from the stage and lock him up over night. When I worked at William Morris as a young guy, I was assigned to cover these clubs. He was thought provoking while making me laugh. Later he appeared on the Merv Griffin show. Lenny Bruce was eventually convicted in an obscenity charge. His life was tumultuous resulting his early death at 41 of drug abuse. After his death he was posthumously pardoned of the obscenity charge; the first in New York State history. For those who know of him, he is depicted as himself on the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Things have changed since the dark boites in Greenwich Village, but the lessons of the past are forgotten. So, when the guys that operates the vast global companies realize they’re paid a lot of money to make a lot of money for their stockholders, not to be social engineers. Good for Netflix for not pulling Chappelle from their lineup. It’s called artistic freedom and free speech!
So, what would I have done if my people walked off the job ‘cause they didn’t like our programs? I’d find out where they ordered their placards. I’d order a batch that said, “now hiring.” Many young people of ALL proclivities would cherish a job at Netflix – even in their mailroom. Some will rise charged with programming appealing to the whole pie not just a small slice – that is, if they remember the past.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Mill-Its-Start-Finish/dp/1952106230/

Moulin Rouge

A thoughtful fan of my book sent me this wonderful historic picture of the original Paris Moulin Rouge, circa 1900. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see why I chose to design the whimsical version of the Moulin Rouge for the cover of my book, being considered for best art design.

Line Renaud, the renowned chanteuse of the Moulin Rouge was our host while taping the Merv Griffin Show in Paris. She is on the great Netflix Show Call My Agent and still a great beauty. I loved the City of Lights, but especially enjoyed the Moulin Rouge when translated to English means Red Mill. It brought back so many boyhood recollections of my Dad’s burlesque nightclub in the Bronx, NYC.

Sure, it wasn’t the Moulin Rouge on the Blvd. de Clichy in Paris, where the V***e Clicquot flowed into never empty tulip glasses. It was the Red Mill under the elevated subway on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, where the Coca Cola dispenser flowed, topped off with as many maraschino cherries to fill a glass. Yet, until now, I recall its own unique glamour for a young starry-eyed kid who had yet to dream of visiting the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Mill-Its-Start-Finish/dp/1952106230/

The Whole Pie

I was interested in the positive responses about Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga and the fun of watching Jeopardy; Mr. Amodio lost, the host is settled, at least for now? Jeopardy will continue entertaining a very wide audience. As will Wheel of Fortune.

At our peak we were broadcasting unprecedented hours of television with our shows; Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, (both day and night) Dance Fever and Headline Chasers. A wise broadcaster said, we (television executives) forget about all the people that we fly over from coast to coast. We kept that simple yet profound thought in mind. Our goal was to reach as many viewers as possible; the whole pie.

Late night TV, specifically Steven Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel are for the most part political activists with occasional entertainment. Their politics are unquestionable. Jimmy Fallon is still trying to figure it all out. While Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin commented on politics and issues of the day, their personal politics remained uncertain. We knew we were in the entertainment business charged with reaching as many viewers as possible.

I’ve said, there’s always someone waiting in the wings. So, Fox News realized there’s another audience out there; the other half of the pie. Greg Gutted is beating all late night shows in ratings, albeit his timing does fudge his competition a bit. Bill Maher is shrewd. His closing dialog often probes issues appealing to the other half of the pie. In an interview on Kimmel he even expressed his concern about ticket sales for his live shows in blue states.

There’s noise about cancelling Dave Chappell’s recent Netflix Show because of his “trans phobic” comments. Netflix must be grateful for the press coverage. Frankly, I thought he was apologetic and kind to the trans community. He talked about his warm relationship with a trans woman that was sensitive and poignant. He brought enlightenment to his audience.

Saturday Night Live is also waking up to the other half of the pie. The season premiere show with Owen Wilson was the lowest rated in SNL’s history. Kim Kardashian West last week’s host is often criticized for being significant without doing anything significant. Not true. She’s a billionaire with a reach of 36 million, three times more than SNL. That’s significant. She was lots of fun. The ratings were significantly higher.

If you’re in the entertainment business be smart - reach out for the whole pie.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Mill-Its-Start-Finish/dp/1952106230/

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Performance
I’ve always been a fan of 60 Minutes. Last night was very special. The last segment covers Tony Bennett’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. He’s 95 years old now, unable to recall almost everything in his life. Yet, his virtuosity remains. When he hears music, it all comes back.
Be sure to search for 60 Minutes or Google his last hurrah performing with Lady Gaga at a recent sold out show at Radio City Music Hall. He receives twenty standing ovations. It’s a must watch.

OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE…..

After twenty-five years the ratings of The Merv Griffin Show began to decline. Renewals and new sales weren’t happening. Years earlier, to his great credit, Merv and I made a private pact. I would let him know when it was time to end the show. One evening I asked Merv to have dinner to discuss a few issues. I guess we know each well enough to anticipate each other’s thoughts. Without missing a beat Merv said, “sure, let’s have dinner and celebrate a great run.” He knew. At dinner we discussed the last show and mutually agreed to have no guests. The last show was Merv saying so long.

Merv had a home in Carmel, California. I visited often with my daughters. Sometimes we’d have our executive retreats there. A great dining spot was at the Hogs Breath Inn, owned by Clint Eastwood. We all became friends. At a lunch, an ex N**i officer then living in Carmel, made an anti Semitic comment. Just like in his movies, Clint was a man of few words. He stood over the guys table – and with that menacing look, said ‘OUT.” A true Dirty Harry moment. On another occasion, one of his films was opening in Westwood. There was Clint already standing in line waiting his turn to buy our tickets. A true gentleman.

I just watched Clint’s latest film Cry Macho. I don’t want to read the reviews of this movie. It was sad. I recalled when Merv knew when it was “time to hang up the gloves.”

In his farewell retirement speech to congress, General Douglas MacArthur famously said: “Old soldiers never die…. they just fade away….”

The King Cole bar at the St. Regis in New York, a favorite of mine, holds many fond memories. This wonderful mural, over the bar, was transferred from its original spot when the hotel was renovated to its new commanding location.

If you look carefully at ole King Cole and the expressions of his courtiers, you will agree with the well known bar lore that the court Jester is whispering in King Cole’s ear: “did you FART?” Aside from flatulence, other bar lore claims that the Bloody Mary, originally named Red Snapper was invented at the King Cole Bar. The former name, it’s said, offended the hoity toity of the times???

One balmy New York afternoon while on a business trip, I was drawn to the King Cole for a bloody Mary and to smile at ole King Cole. It was a great watering hole and place to go. I recently obtained the syndication rights from NBC for Wheel of Fortune. Metromedia, Merv’s syndicator, and Twentieth Century Fox, distributor for Dance Fever were not interested. – Nor was every other major distributor. What to do?

Serendipitously, a bigger than life guy, Bob King was on the bar stool next to me. I quipped asking if he had any relation to King Cole and his digestive issues. Bob and I hit it off. He and his brothers, Mike and Roger, ran King World, founded by their Dad. The elder King was well connected and known for syndicating the “Little Rascals.” It was clear they were looking for other shows. He and his brothers flew to Los Angeles the following week – where, at the St. Germaine Restaurant we concluded a deal for King World to syndicate Wheel of Fortune, currently televised on NBC during the daytime. Soon after the FCC changed its’ Prime Access Rules (a broadcasting regulation) that allowed for new programming in the early evening on independent stations. Wheel of Fortune became an immediate success with Pat Sajak and Vanna White. With the success of Wheel of Fortune and more available time slots, we became the “go to” Production Company. We quickly revived Jeopardy! with Alex Trebek for syndication.

That meeting with Bob King at the King Cole Bar over a bloody Mary gave rise to billions of dollars of revenue and changed the lives of many. Cheers to Ole King Cole.

There’s been an ongoing inordinate amount of media coverage on the saga of finding a host. Some people comment here and in media asking: “what’s the fuss…it’s just a game show.” Not so!
Wheel of Fortune and JEOPARDY are the crown jewels of Sony’s TV Division and over all business. They’ve been a dependable profit center for Sony Entertainment. JEOPARDY averages about ten million viewers nightly. Yearly income is in the hundreds of millions and increasing annually. These are not just game shows. It’s big business. The shows are covered by all major financial sources; the WSJ, Barron’s, and Forbes. These issues are taken seriously when they become laughable.
So, for the good part of a year, Sony Executives have botched up finding a permanent host. It’s not a difficult task. As for Richards, I’m curious, other than his pearly whites, why he was hired as executive producer of both shows in the first place? As EP it’s reported that he manipulated getting himself hired as host. Within days of being named as permanent host they fired him! Yet, while he’s not qualified as host, they display more bad judgment by keeping him on as executive producer of both shows – their spokesman saying, we “hope” he changes. That was short lived. He was quickly fired. I assure you that all the hosts I hired – were carefully vetted – including Alex Trebek!! In today’s environment, learning of Richard’s legal baggage he would be off my radar screen. Who does the hiring at Sony?
I owe my business schooling to the William Morris Agency. They groomed young men from the mailroom to evolve as top agents. I stayed with that policy with Merv Griffin Ent. to promote from within. After almost forty years there are a few people in key positions with both shows. Nobody to promote as EP? However, bad judgment in business, government and personal responsibility is not new. History does repeat itself. Santayana warned us!
You’d think by now Sony would get things back on track. Not yet! Richards taped five shows before he was fired. Sony announced their plans to air these five shows. Simple business judgment would be to dump them. I have yet to learn the results of those shows. But, the backlash will be stormy, causing more bad press for Jeopardy. They continue to divert viewer’s attention. Given the huge profits that reflect in their bottom line, one would think Sony would view the loss of five shows as the cost of doing business with the powerful benefit of being honest and straightforward! So did they hire Mayim Bialy? Guess not? They are still planning on guest hosts. A friend asked if they have scheduled Larry The Cable Guy. Stay tuned! If some can over the fact that Will Cain is on Fox, he’d be a fellow I would consider.
They are surely placing their crown jewel in JEOPARDY.

HOW WAS JEOPARDY CONCEIVED:

I’m stunned by the widespread media coverage about the debacle of what is truly just the very simple task to find a host for Jeopardy!. More stunning is that while Mike Richards is considered unqualified to host, he’s awarded the prize of Executive Producer. The Sony Spokesperson …”hopes…” he behaves in the future. The mess is not over.

The only other show that comes to mind, that garnered this much media attention is the scandal about rigging the show – The $64,000 Question. Robert Redford produced a nominated movie "Quiz Show" about the rigging and conning the public. Dan Enright, an acquaintance, along with Jack Barry produced $64,000. The scandal changed the face of game shows to require strict scrutiny.

My recent and very timely book RED MILL chronicles: How and where Jeopardy was conceived – We first sold it to NBC with Art Fleming as host - Revived in 1984 – catapulted by our show Wheel of Fortune - Alex Trebek was hired as the host almost forty years ago. Given all the wide attention, RED MILL is a must read for journalists, media, and those interested in Jeopardy and the business judgments that caused Coca Cola to buy our company. The book is not all about Jeopardy. It’s an intimate memoir of humble beginnings from a Burlesque night spot managed by my Dad – then rising to an agent at William Morris Agency - to creating Merv Griffin Enterprises with fascinating stories, characters and adventures along the way. Hope you enjoy the read .

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Mill-Its-Start-Finish/dp/1952106230/

Seems they chose a host!!!

I watched the two most recent guests hosts in the revolving door, while the powers that be for the good part of a year struggle to find a host. Robin Roberts displayed charm and her engaging personality. LeVar Burton, a fine actor, behaved like an actor not a game show host. He was bogged down by a contestant who had the lowest score in the history of Jeopardy. I wonder how this contestant was chosen if the first place?

All the hosts were adequate, albeit, some more so. None of them would have made it to our short list. We hired Alex Trebek about forty years ago. He was not our first choice. We didn’t test many host, we didn’t do audience surveys, we didn’t hold our finger to the wind, and we would never consider petitions. There was no time for any of that. We relied on our understanding of the show that we created. We continued to polish the format of the show.

Whoever becomes the host will be loved by many, disliked by some, and criticized and admired about everything from voice, wardrobe, smile, stature and heaven knows what else might spark a viewer. But, the new host will soon become a part of Jeopardy and feel as comfortable to the audience as a broken in pair of running shoes. Consider that the host is on screen for only about a minute and half in each show. Folks watch Jeopardy because they like the game. Of course that doesn’t apply to a host driven show or format. Jimmy Fallon is the show. Steve Harvey on Family Feud propels the format.

That said, I heard from a pretty reliable source that a decision for the permanent host will be announced on Good Morning America, in mid August. The time is past due to return to the business of the show!

Check Mate:

Business like much of life is often a chess game. The Merv Griffin Show moved from NYC to California on the CBS network, opposite Johnny Carson. Ratings were not good. We left CBS and immediately activated a back up deal with Metromedia TV, and went to syndication, mostly in prime time, broadcasting from the Hollywood Palace Theater. Our lease expired, so we moved down the block to the Celebrity Theater. The show found a niche and great success.

Our lease expired at the Celebrity Theater, part of Trans America Video, a production company financed and owned by Sammy Davis, Jr. TAV demanded an outrageous rental fee; one that far exceeded our budget. Basic business sense dictates to never make big expenditures on a building that was not owned. TAV foolishly didn’t own the building.

I learned that the building was in Probate Court. So… we bought the building. Now WE owned the building that housed the theater - that housed the entire TAV postproduction company on the north side of Hollywood and Vine. My friendship with Sammy Davis went back to when I worked as George Wood’s assistant. After his show, Sammy and I met at the empty Bacchanal Restaurant at Caesars Palace. I proposed to buy TAV. Sammy was relieved to get out of the financial drain and debt. Quickly, I took over management of TAV and its entire fleet of first-rate mobile trucks, which were housed in Las Vegas. TAV became number one in the business. When we were in Vegas, using our own mobile studios, the Celebrity Theater was rented to other shows, like Entertainment Tonight and our own production Dance Fever. Soon after we bought the rest of the block facing Hollywood and Vine.

Check mate!

www.amazon.com

When suddenly you seem to lose all you thought you had gained, do not despair. You must expect setbacks and regressions. Don’t say to yourself “All is lost. I have to start all over again.” This is not true. What you have gained…When you return to the road, you return to the place where you left it, not to where you started.
—Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love

COPACABANA NEW YORK

The Copacabana was the hottest nightclub in the World - the home to the biggest headliners of the time: Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Sam Cooke. It ‘s been used as the setting in Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Green Book and the Irishman. Jules Podell, placed there by the mob boss Frank Costello, operated the club. Podell initially ran the kitchen and staff, but mostly there to keep an eye on Costello’s financial interest. Eventually he took over. Out front, the manager Jack Entrattor moved on to run the Sands in Las Vegas home of the rat pack and another source for George Wood to book William Morris clients and my first introduction to Vegas.

Of my assignments working for George Wood was to go over the printed availability list of our many clients with Jules Podell. I was still in my teens so I had only heard of the Copacabana. George said go over to the Poodles place, like the time he told me to meet him at Elmo’s which I had to figure out was El Morocco. This time, I figured out quickly that the Poodle Place had nothing to do with dogs - it was the Copa Copacabana, run by The Poodle, Jules Podell. He was a volatile man - a tough guy with a known background to match his reputation.

I was cautiously thrilled to represent George Wood, and perhaps meet the famous Copacabana Girls. But, I first met Jules Podell in mid afternoon. Like the Red Mill in the daytime, the Copa was still hung over from the night before. Stained tablecloths and butt filled ashtrays, half full glasses, smelled of the Red Mill. It was the night when beautiful women and sharp guys, chilled champagne became thrilling and glamorous – even at the Red Mill.

Podell interrupted as I was reading the availabilities, asking where is Sammy Davis was on such and such a date. “Sorry, Mr. Podell, he’s not available.” Podell slammed his huge pinky ring the table that made the ashtray and glasses to jump. Tell George that’s when I want him. When I got back to office, I bit shaken George smiled when I told him about my new acquaintance with the Poodle. Oh, Sammy Davis magically became available for the Copacabana on that date

Seems I lucked out when George Wood promoted me to the Television Department
although there were no Copacabana Girls at NBC Studios – where my first account was the Tonight Show before Johnny Carson began and Merv Griffin was a guest host.

Red Mill: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish Red Mill: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish